With the advent of Christmas just around the corner, as a retailer you could well be taking on temporary staff to help with 
your additional Christmas workload.
Christmas can be extremely busy time of year but, as a business owner you must not shirk your responsibilities in meeting the requirements of The Fire Safety Order 2005. The Fire Safety Order 2005 comes into play if you employ more than 5 people; you must have a documented fire risk assessment and you are required to provide adequate fire safety training for all Christmas temporary staff.
A nominated competent person should be given the responsibility for training temporary and/or contract staff in respect of the procedures to be followed should a fire emergency occur.
First and foremost, all temporary/contract staff should be made aware of the fire risks and hazards within their work areas in an effort to ensure they keep their working environment safe.
Training all your staff – both permanent and temporary in general fire safety awareness – makes them aware of all the potential risks to your business of a fire starting.
Training, will ensure that they do not endanger your business through unsafe practices. They will also be more aware of potential hazards and, therefore, more inclined to bring them to your attention.
The list below includes one or two advice tips to follow
- If there is a fire, are your staff and temporary staff aware of escape routes?
- It goes without question that all escape routes must be kept clear of any obstacles at all times.
- Particular training should be paid to disabled staff, staff with special needs and young staff
- Have your temporary staff been made aware of dangerous substances and how these dangerous substances could put them at risk in the case of a fire?
Please feel free to contact DB Fire Safety for more information in respect of Fire Risk Assessments and Fire Risk Training by calling 0800 772 0559
